Former Spartan Charlie Manning Called Up to Nationals

TAMPA, Fla. - Former Spartan left-handed pitcher Charlie Manning was called up by the Washington Nationals, marking the first time he has been promoted to the major leagues. A native of Winter Haven, Fla., Manning pitched for Tampa for two seasons in 2000 and 2001 before being drafted by the New York Yankees in the ninth round of the 2001 First Year Player Draft.

The 6-2, 185-pound left-handed pitcher posted a combined 3.38 ERA in 189.1 innings over his two years at Tampa, compiling a career record of 18-7 with 161 strikeouts. Manning places in the top 20 in Spartan history in wins, earned run average and strikeouts, as he is 17th all-time in each category. Manning also posted a .345 career batting average for the Spartans in 162 at-bats, hitting six home runs and driving in 45 runs in his two-year career with Tampa.

An EAS Mid-Season All-Star in 2006, Manning made 19 appearances for Triple-A Columbus this season, posting a 1.95 ERA with no decisions in 27.2 innings pitched prior to being called up. The Winter Haven native has also struck out 34 batters this season for Columbus, holding opposing batters to a .206 average.